Thanks for all the tips, videos and recommendations guys Will have a look at the linked youtube stuff, sounds like having at least some idea of the rules would help a lot, so will see what I can discover.

_________________The two most powerful warriors are patience and time…so remember: great achievements take time, there is no overnight success.

Massive win for Cardinals, really thought if they turned the ball over multiple times they'd lose like they did against Rams and Steelers. 39 points and 450 yards at Centurylink despite 3 turnovers much better than I thought was possible. Just need to keep it up in the tough remaining games, with Packers stuttering #2 seed at least is up for grabs. Panthers schedule looks fairly soft, #1 seed should be theirs with a 2 game lead at this stage.

Felt a bit sorry for Manning, breaking an all time record with such a horrid performance seems bittersweet to say the least. Can't see him continuing after this year.

The Pats vs Giants game was pretty good. Giants, for the second time in a few weeks brought out a big, close game. Not as high scoring as the Saints game but almost as fun to watch. I had the Giants for the narrow victory (bet on them winning by 1-3).

Vikings have Packers this weekend. I'm a big Vikes fan but I'm not holding that much hope for winning the division, but they have a shot. Beating the Pack-attack would be a big feather and give a 2 game window in the NFCN. Vikes have a tough 2nd half of the season, but my preseason estimate of 9 or 10 wins looks like it may come. AP is performing, but I've been a little disappointed in the pass game. Preseason made me think Teddy was making a big step forward.

Romo returning tomorrow too. I re-picked him up in fantasy. I think he's going to torch the Dolphins. 3TDs and 300+ yards I think. If Romo and Dez had been healthy the whole time the Cowboys would be 7-2 (or better), not 2-7. Romo, I really rated last season throwing to Dez who was top 3 WR in the league last season imo. Romo was a shout for league MVP last season too.

The Vikes finished well. The only really bad defeat was the 49ers one. But I don't have much faith in the team scoring. They have a solid D, which makes sense with Zimmer as coach, but if a team can stop AP, the passing attack hasn't been all that great. Adrian Peterson is a fantastic player, but the Vikings cannot count on him forever. Especially when he's now into his 30s. Sure, he won the rushing yard contest this year, but I'm not convinced that would be the case without some key injuries elsewhere.

Quite funny to see how the season turned out. I remember at about week 5 or 6, the Seahawks were being written off and the Falcons were looking solid amongst others.

I predicted a Steelers Superbowl victory in about W14. Now, I'm leaning towards the Cardinals. The Patriots have lost a lot of good players. The Steelers are weak on D. I'm not convinced Peyton Manning is healthy enough to pull it off, though they do have a solid D. The Packers are really hit and miss. The Bengals, assuming Dalton can play and maintains his form are probably my 2nd best guess for who'll win it. But I don't like pinning my hopes on Dalton with his history. I shouldn't could out the Seahawks though. Their D isn't what it was 2 years ago, but they've pulled it out of the bag so often in the last few years I can't write them off.

Kinda gutted for the Jets. I thought they were a pretty fun team to watch. Fitzpatrick, Decker and Marshall were really good fun to watch. Unlike the Cowboys, who were just painful to watch toward the end of the season. I thought the Cowboys were going to be a real contender this year. Romo was brilliant last year. Witten is a great TE and Dez looked like a top 3 WR in the NFL to me. Romo went down and the whole thing fell apart. It didn't fall apart for the Texans, or the Colts or the Broncos anywhere near as badly. I'm not sure if that speaks for their backups more than Weedon/Cassel or if I should be giving more props to Tony Romo.

And I managed to avoid 6th and last place in my fantasy league (finished 6th regular season, but won the 5th vs 6th playoff game - named the KEvin White Bowl due to an amusing draft choice - no disrespect to the actual player). Our fantasy champion came down to Russel Wilson throwing a TD to not Doug Baldwin for a 0.6 point win too. It was super dramatic. The downside of playing fantasy this year though, I found it hard to work up that much enthusiasm for Week 17 Redzone. Redzone is fantastic for fantasy watching, but in general I'd rather just sit and see the full story of a game.

Seahawks had a little bit of luck, which they often seem to get. I wasn't that upset by it because I'm basically a giant pessimist. I expected the Vikes to get humped, so I guess I got a better result than expected. Feel bad for Walsh, as I do anytime a last play doesn't work. There are several other players on the field. Without the AP fumble, if the gameplay wasn't "feed AP 2 yard runs all day", penalties, I feel the Vikes might have put up a stronger fight. (That said, I was critical of not feeding AP enough carries early in the season). Vikes D performed well though generally.

On the plus side, we have 4 pretty interesting games this week. Last year divisonal and conference rounds were brilliant (deflated ball issue aside).

Chiefs vs PatsPackers vs CardsSeahawks vs PanthersSteelers vs Broncos

I wonder how much Week 16 is weighing on the minds of the Packers right now.

Seahawks vs Panthers is my most invested game I think. I think the Panthers should still do well here. Panthers have looked beastly on D and O most of the year.

Steelers vs Broncos. No Antonio Brown due to concussion could be mega. Steelers D not the best around, so hoping Manning plays respectably at least. I missed most of his career, but I do not like seeing legends like Manning lose it or be humiliated. I'd hate for him to throw 3 picks then get subbed off. And I do rather want him to retire with a second superbowl ring, though either way he's pretty much first of the first round picks to the hall of fame. This game seems like it will be amazing or it will be awful for some reason.

I don't want the Rams here. Very few people do, actually. What's worse is that the Chargers might also come.

A generation of NFL fans grew up rooting for other teams, including me. From what I've read, very few will start supporting a new team. I certainly won't switch teams and won't go to any Rams games, and I especially won't support the Chargers. The Chargers moving to LA is like Manchester United moving to Liverpool. They've always been the enemy and that won't change just because they are now in LA.

The traffic is going to be murder, and the stadium proposal is, as usual, going to benefit the owner, anyone in the local government that has been bought by the owner, the NFL, the other team owners in the league, and literally NO ONE ELSE.

_________________"No, there is no terrible way to win. There is only winning."Jean-Pierre Sarti

I don't want the Rams here. Very few people do, actually. What's worse is that the Chargers might also come.

A generation of NFL fans grew up rooting for other teams, including me. From what I've read, very few will start supporting a new team. I certainly won't switch teams and won't go to any Rams games, and I especially won't support the Chargers. The Chargers moving to LA is like Manchester United moving to Liverpool. They've always been the enemy and that won't change just because they are now in LA.

The traffic is going to be murder, and the stadium proposal is, as usual, going to benefit the owner, anyone in the local government that has been bought by the owner, the NFL, the other team owners in the league, and literally NO ONE ELSE.

SnakeSVT2003, correct me if I'm wrong, but both Rams & Raiders were in Los Angeles before 1994, weren't they?

It's funny because I grew up in SoCal when the Rams were in LA (although I rooted for the Raiders) and I've never really made the mental switch to thinking of them as a team from the mid-west so this isn't a big deal to me.

And yes. The Chargers will always be the enemy, same for the Seahawks even tough they're not even in the same conference anymore.

I don't want the Rams here. Very few people do, actually. What's worse is that the Chargers might also come.

A generation of NFL fans grew up rooting for other teams, including me. From what I've read, very few will start supporting a new team. I certainly won't switch teams and won't go to any Rams games, and I especially won't support the Chargers. The Chargers moving to LA is like Manchester United moving to Liverpool. They've always been the enemy and that won't change just because they are now in LA.

The traffic is going to be murder, and the stadium proposal is, as usual, going to benefit the owner, anyone in the local government that has been bought by the owner, the NFL, the other team owners in the league, and literally NO ONE ELSE.

SnakeSVT2003, correct me if I'm wrong, but both Rams & Raiders were in Los Angeles before 1994, weren't they?

Yes. 1994 is when they left. The Raiders are originally from Oakland, and the Rams are originally from LA. The Raiders were in LA for about 15 years before going back, and in fact won two Super Bowls while they were here.

I live by where the stadium is going to be built (it's literally within walking distance from my house), and the feeling I'm getting here is that only Rams fans are excited because no one was really yearning, or even asking, for a team.

I hope the stadium proposal delivers all that it promises, but I'm not getting my hopes up.

_________________"No, there is no terrible way to win. There is only winning."Jean-Pierre Sarti

Actually, the Rams were originally from Cleveland, Snake. It is interesting to see you say that most people in So.Cal don't want them back, yet ESPN and other NFL-kissing media make it sound like the people are Desperate to get them back. I find it fascinating to see the numbers that are being mentioned to purchase the right to have an assigned seat for the season. I have seen numbers in excess of $100,000 for the PSL (Personal Seat License) another $350 for each game ticket!!! Another former season ticket holder said that he was approached with a number over $1m for the PSL (Must have been one hell of a seat!)

Personally, I would have loved it if the NFL owners had told Kroenke "No". After the way he through St.Louis under the bus and burned that bridge in a big way, it would have been hilarious if he had to stay there. The Kroenke's are a blight on professional sport. They also own the Denver Nuggets (NBA) and the Colorado Avalance (NHL)... every time either of those teams get competitive, management makes changes and down they go along with attendence... which is then blamed on the community by the owners. Same in St.Louis... they were sold out for the first 12 years there, but then, after about 2006-7, as the team struggled, attendence went down... sadly, Kroenke did little to build the team up. Now, when St.Louis was the only one of the three cities (San Diego, Oakland, St.L) to have a new Stadium plan, they get bashed by Kroenke and he gets "rewarded".

Now back to the matter of the Playoffs. I was gut-wrenched for the Viking fans. What a painful way to bow out. I was embarrassed for the Steelers and Bengals... what a farce of a game... shame on both teams and a BIG shame on the "officials" who lost control of the game early one. There are players and coaches from both teams who did themselves no honor, and a couple that should have been ejected early in the game.

Now, the Broncos.... Playing at home is a good thing, I hope. Temps are supposed to be the 40s and it should be partly cloudy, with light wind (5mph)... not exactly Florida or California, but not intolerable. The anti-Manning fans who love to bash him for being a cold weather disaster and a "choker" hopefully will learn different. I too would like to see Peyton go out on a high-note. He may not have the arm strength he used to have, but his command of the game and recognition of defenses could well be enough to carry them a long way. They are pretty healthy (finally), except deMarcus Ware... and that is a significant loss... so hopefully we will get a good effort from the entire team. If the do, they will win.

Good luck to all of you with the teams you might be cheering for this weekend (excpet for the Steelers fans, of course).

I'm now firmly in the "I don't care who wins so long as I get a decent game" mood. Last years NFC Championship was spectacular to watch, I hope we get some more games like that.

I fancy the Cardinals vs Panthers NFC Championship. Green Bay will need to have a together weekend to even stand a chance. And they've been so damned hit and miss. Cardinals are one of the best teams on D and O, so I expect them to keep it together. ardinals have generally played really well on both sides of the ball

Though I think Seahawks @ Panthers might be a closer game than I had originally thought. I definitely don't want to sound sour grapes, but Seahawks do seem to get quite a lot of luck over the last few years. That said, I don't really think the Vikes deserved to win after their perfomance on Sunday. I suppose they did what they needed to do if the FG gets in but the offense needs to get a TD in.

I really want Manning to go out on a high. It's like any great where you feel you are seeing their decline. I'm not a Manning fan as such. But I'd like to see him go out with a bang rather than a whimper. He's 1st ballot HoF anyway, but I can't help but think that when he pops round for the Manning family Sunday dinner, it's just a little off that Eli has more Superbowl Rings. That said, I'm not sure Denver has a good enough D to cover up the issues on offense. And Denver don't have a true top tier RB to power their game forward. Manning will be tested I think.

Steelers look to be without their 2nd string RB, their #1 WR and their QB if injury reports end up badly. I had these guys as my pick a few weeks ago and now I'm doubting it. Patriots looked utterly lackluster in their last game but didn't have that much to strive for. A great record, especially given the injuries that came their way. Not sure they can keep it going. Brady isn't a young guy anymore and he's been hit a few times.

Kansas are a bit odd in that they are a very respectable team on a hotstreak, but I almost view them as the non-descript 4th team in this which utterly disrespects them and their accomplishments this year. Kansas have a decent shout.

Talking about the game between Cardinals vs Packers, can anyone please explain to me the rule for overtime? To my understanding, in the overtime, each team will have 1 ball possession. But why did, in the overtime between Cardinals vs Packers, right after Fitzgerald made a touchdown, then the game end? Shouldn't Packers get another ball possession?

Talking about the game between Cardinals vs Packers, can anyone please explain to me the rule for overtime? To my understanding, in the overtime, each team will have 1 ball possession. But why did, in the overtime between Cardinals vs Packers, right after Fitzgerald made a touchdown, then the game end? Shouldn't Packers get another ball possession?

But anyway, that was probably the best game ever from Packers.

TDs are always game enders in OT. The one possession rule only counts for FGs.

Even though it benefited the Cards this time I do think they need to revamp OT rules. I don't have an issue with a sudden death score to win but they need something better than a coinflip to decide possession. I read on another forum a suggestion for some kind of bidding process in terms of starting position, anything like that would be an improvement imo.

Well what a crazy game that was for the Seahawks.Abysmal first half but glad they ended up making a game of it.Disappointed with the result but still enjoyed it and American football is certainly something I will be sticking with.

Talking about the game between Cardinals vs Packers, can anyone please explain to me the rule for overtime? To my understanding, in the overtime, each team will have 1 ball possession. But why did, in the overtime between Cardinals vs Packers, right after Fitzgerald made a touchdown, then the game end? Shouldn't Packers get another ball possession?

But anyway, that was probably the best game ever from Packers.

TDs are always game enders in OT. The one possession rule only counts for FGs.

Even though it benefited the Cards this time I do think they need to revamp OT rules. I don't have an issue with a sudden death score to win but they need something better than a coinflip to decide possession. I read on another forum a suggestion for some kind of bidding process in terms of starting position, anything like that would be an improvement imo.

Originally, the overtime rule was that the first score won. After a while, fans became disenchanted because, often, the team that won the coin toss would simply need to get a few first downs to be in range for a game-winning field goal. It seemed kind of cheap that a team could win with a quick field goal. So the rule was changed to say that, except for a touchdown on the first possession, both teams should have the chance to have the ball.

I'd allow, in playoffs at least, a possession each (unless first score is defensive). For a regular season match, it's not much to ask but they have schedules and a game potentially going an extra 20-30 minutes could be a pain for them. For post-season? It can make or break your season on a coin flip. And I'd liked to have seen what GB (in this instance) could have done. Would they have completed the comeback? To nullify the heroics of the last few minutes of that game on a coin toss is a bit of a let down.

But it isn't just a coin toss. It's a coin toss plus an entire touchdown drive. If you lose the toss and want a possession, the solution is simple, stop the other team from scoring a touchdown. (Meant to be a matter-of-fact tone, I hope it doesn't come across as aggressive or negative. If it does, I apologize.)

But it isn't just a coin toss. It's a coin toss plus an entire touchdown drive. If you lose the toss and want a possession, the solution is simple, stop the other team from scoring a touchdown. (Meant to be a matter-of-fact tone, I hope it doesn't come across as aggressive or negative. If it does, I apologize.)

I agree and I disagree in some respects. I'd have to say that offense - generally - has an advantage over D. On O, you have the ball and control and (hopefully) you all have a plan of what you are going to do. On D, you have to react. Therefore, in my opinion, the coin toss itself offers a significant advantage which is what I don't much care for (forgive how condescending that might sound, I'm just trying to give my thoughts on why it's an uneven playing field I realise nothing in there is likely to be a new insight to anyone). So yes, it's not as silly as a coin toss deciding who wins the game. If the D do well enough, the issue is somewhat moo (like a cow's opinion). In the Cards vs Packers game, I think the right team won. But in terms of an entertaining product for me to watch at home, I'd much prefer that both teams get at least a drive. That said, I do have part of me that utterly agrees that the coin toss is an even(-ish at the very worst) way to decide who gets it and if you don't want the other team to score, you gotta stop them.

It's more fair than deciding a snooker game on a coin toss for a respotted black because the NFL D can at least make a play, the snooker player who lost the toss can do nothing really. But my argument would be that letting both teams have a shout might be better entertainment.

Well, as has been discussed before I'd love Peyton Manning to retire on top. Sure this season has a stat-line for him that is bad. His stats are actually bloody awful in some respects. But while I love a downer ending in fiction, in reality I'd love to see him go with that second ring and remove a little bit of the asterisk that is "GOAT (regular season)" and a little toward just being one of the GOATs. I mean, the guy is clear first round HoF anyway. Absolutely no doubt. He has a superbowl ring, well into 500+ TDs, well into 70,000 yards passing etc. He's so first ballot, he's almost 0th ballot if such a thing could exist. But the thing that always gets me is this. I imagine the Manning family round for a Sunday lunch. And I see the Eli with two rings and Peyton with one. And something isn't right about that. (No dig at Eli meant).

So do I think it will happen? Not at all. I see a result a bit closer than Manning's last SB, but I don't think that Denver are as good as Carolina on the whole. The offense is stuttering and Carolina have a solid D. And while Denver are great on D, the Panthers have been scoring so much this season I can't see that not leaking through. Carolina have been great to watch (the anti-Cowboys this season) and honestly, look like the best team in the NFL this season. The Cardinals, for me, were the second best team and they couldn't stand up to the Panthers (although Palmer seemed to basically bottle it on such a big stage). Cam Netwon has progressed from being the guy I liked watching to looking like the new archetype of how the QB position can be played well. Given I'd say he didn't have his #1 reciever as well, we could see Newton making another step forward next year. Sure, he did have a guy like Olsen, who was pretty damned solid all year. He has a running game that has been pretty sweet. And on the other side, Norman had his best year yet at CB. Kuechly is one of the best at his position, and numerous other guys on that team. They've been great to watch, and I love the giving TD footballs away thing. That'd probably leave me grinning and I'm supposed to be a grown up, so I can't imagine what it's be like for a child to get a ball like that. And I've got a soft spot for Jared Allen. He's one of the reasons I started liking NFL and one of the reasons I chose the Vikes as my team when he was tearing up QBs there. So I'll be wearing my Jared Allen jersey next Sunday.

My prediction 38-24 in favour of Carolina.

Of course, my friend and I will be doing our obligatory Madden game of the Superbowl which influences my bets for the weekend significantly. I'm also on about a 7 year loss streak with coin toss bets.

Not sure if I can be bothered watching the ProBowl tonight. I only got about an hours sleep tonight and the game kicks off at midnight. That's a bit of a stretch for me, unless I get caffeine-d out my tits (so to speak). Probowl is usually good fun though. I just wish their was a way to have the players in the probowl but make it a full on game. I don't want to see anyone get hurt, but wouldn't it be cool to see two teams of roughly the best in the game this year?

Watching the Superbowl for the first time (probably go to bed any minute though!) and it makes me really miss watching Formula One races in the middle of the night Formula One is ten times better than this is all I'll say

_________________"Always believe you will become the best, but never believe you have done so"

Well, congrats to them. D wins championships, and that D was great. Expected a humping, and was far from the mark.

Like I said, I thought Carolina would win and felt they were the best team over the whole season. But Denver got the job done, and Peyton Manning got that second ring. Huge congrats to him. I think we will see him retire now and he can go with a really nice record. And we'll see him inducted in 5 years to the HoF, where he rightfully deserves.

I ended up £10 up on the night thanks to the 2 point conversion. I had a bet on there being one and a bet on it being successful also which I won. And I finally won a coin toss bet. Just under £10 down for the season unfortunately, but it's been fun.

And now, we can look forward to next season. Packers vs Steelers for next year is my bold prediction.

Actually, the Rams were originally from Cleveland, Snake. It is interesting to see you say that most people in So.Cal don't want them back, yet ESPN and other NFL-kissing media make it sound like the people are Desperate to get them back. I find it fascinating to see the numbers that are being mentioned to purchase the right to have an assigned seat for the season. I have seen numbers in excess of $100,000 for the PSL (Personal Seat License) another $350 for each game ticket!!! Another former season ticket holder said that he was approached with a number over $1m for the PSL (Must have been one hell of a seat!)

Personally, I would have loved it if the NFL owners had told Kroenke "No". After the way he through St.Louis under the bus and burned that bridge in a big way, it would have been hilarious if he had to stay there. The Kroenke's are a blight on professional sport. They also own the Denver Nuggets (NBA) and the Colorado Avalance (NHL)... every time either of those teams get competitive, management makes changes and down they go along with attendence... which is then blamed on the community by the owners. Same in St.Louis... they were sold out for the first 12 years there, but then, after about 2006-7, as the team struggled, attendence went down... sadly, Kroenke did little to build the team up. Now, when St.Louis was the only one of the three cities (San Diego, Oakland, St.L) to have a new Stadium plan, they get bashed by Kroenke and he gets "rewarded".

Now back to the matter of the Playoffs. I was gut-wrenched for the Viking fans. What a painful way to bow out. I was embarrassed for the Steelers and Bengals... what a farce of a game... shame on both teams and a BIG shame on the "officials" who lost control of the game early one. There are players and coaches from both teams who did themselves no honor, and a couple that should have been ejected early in the game.

Now, the Broncos.... Playing at home is a good thing, I hope. Temps are supposed to be the 40s and it should be partly cloudy, with light wind (5mph)... not exactly Florida or California, but not intolerable. The anti-Manning fans who love to bash him for being a cold weather disaster and a "choker" hopefully will learn different. I too would like to see Peyton go out on a high-note. He may not have the arm strength he used to have, but his command of the game and recognition of defenses could well be enough to carry them a long way. They are pretty healthy (finally), except deMarcus Ware... and that is a significant loss... so hopefully we will get a good effort from the entire team. If the do, they will win.

Good luck to all of you with the teams you might be cheering for this weekend (excpet for the Steelers fans, of course).

I totally forgot about the Cleveland Rams! They moved to LA in the 40's.

I laugh at the local media quite a bit for making it seem as if the city has gone football crazy. It's like when the Kings won 2 Stanley Cups. The media proclaimed LA a "hockey town" but in reality, LA is only hockey town when the Kings are winning. Only real Kings fans cared when the team failed to make the playoffs last year. It wasn't covered much because there was no interest.

The Rams better win when they get here. That's the only chance they have IMO. On a side note, I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop on the stadium deal. Supposedly, it is being privately funded, but it sounds too good to be true. If the cost of the project goes up, I think I know where the extra money will come from.

_________________"No, there is no terrible way to win. There is only winning."Jean-Pierre Sarti

Great game, too bad that both teams only made very few touchdown passes, before the game started I expected that it would end something like 35-42. But overall, Broncos deserved the title, well done Von Miller, well done Peyton Manning!

Also I'd like to highlight 1 thing, surprisingly (to me) Lady Gaga could sing the Star Spangled Banner so well, I never thought she could sing that good, so well done for it.

Gaga has always had an amazing voice, and she has displayed it before in huge venues (was it the Oscars?). For many people her voice has been overshadowed by her style choices, musical preferences and the causes she supports, so she gets marginalized. Same with someone like Miley Cyrus, whose antics overshadow her talent, which is considerable. I am a fan of Gaga, but not Miley, but I appreciate the way both are willing to give a good solid kick to the status quo. It's good to have people who like to shake things up in the Entertainment industry.

For the game, we had two of the best defenses in football, both capable of taking control of a game at any time. On Sunday, though, only one did. The Broncos outplayed the Panthers and deserved the win. I hope Manning has the sense to retire on top, because his body can no longer support his superior knowledge and desire to play.

Allen is one of the reasons I started watching NFL regularly, and one of the reasons I started supporting the Vikings. I own 3 Jerseys, an old Reebok AP one, a white AP nike one and my favourite one, a nike purple #69 Allen jersey. He also just always seemed like a pretty cool guy. In 2011 he put down 22 sacks. 5 Time Pro-Bowl nominated.